Let It Rain (Democracy)

Carlos A. Orellana

The decision of the Executive Committee of the Yonkers Democratic Party not to make any recommendations to the convention for the races for which there were more than one candidate, gives the potential candidates for the Second District an equal and fair opportunity to compete for the nomination. This was my position when I met with the leaders from the Fourth Ward a few weeks ago. I stated that it had to be the district leaders, the people, who should decide who their candidate would be, and not to have someone be recommended.

One of the individuals interested in this seat was presumed to have the full support of a couple of elected officials, and the nomination waiting for him in April. This was a done deal for those residents paying attention to this race. To me this was not going to be the democratic way to nominate the candidate for this race. Had the Executive Committee made a recommendation to the convention for this position, it would have sent the wrong message to the district leaders and the people. Now those of us interested in being the party’s candidate, have to work hard to win the nomination and demonstrate who will be the best candidate to represent the people in the Second District.

When we let the democratic process takes it course, we all benefit. A transparent and fair process is what the leaders of the Democratic Party in Yonkers should exercise, and they have done it. Let’s us continue practicing a transparent and fair democratic process for the people of Yonkers.

Message in the voice of Carlos Orellana

Carlos A. Orellana, met with leaders of the Fourth Ward

Carlos A. Orellana, Democratic candidate for City Council, Second District, met with leaders of the Fourth Ward at the Riverfront Library this Saturday, February 28.

In his brief presentation, Mr. Orellana told the leaders that he would be the ideal candidate for the open seat for the following reasons: he has lived in Yonkers for over twenty years; he has worked with local community based organizations (Westhab Inc., CLUSTERS, The Sharing Community) providing services such as after school programs, youth programs, and social services; he serves on the board of Resident for Equitable and Affordable Permanent Shelter (REAPS), an organization that provides and advocates for affordable housing in Yonkers.

Mr. Orellana also expressed his positions on economic development and the creation of jobs, but he stated that he is for such development as long as these jobs pay living wages and help improve the quality of life of the workers. His position on gang and street violence is that he will work hard with religious and community leaders, as well as other elected officials and the police department to deal with the problem in a collective approach. He believes that many young men and children in the community do not have recreational and cultural programs to keep them busy and involved in productive activities. He will work hard to find the funding to promote such programs in his district.

Mr. Orellana ended his presentation by saying that he strongly believes that it should be the people living in his district who have to decide who should represent them in City Hall, instead of being given a candidate whom they do not know. He added that the residents in his district will find in him the most qualified and committed candidate.

Mr. Orellana attended Yonkers and Roosevelt High Schools, graduated from Concordia College with BA in Judeo-Christian Studies, and the Jesuit University in San Salvador, Master Degree Program, where he took courses in Public Administration, Comparative Government, and Political Philosophy.